used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
having companions or an escort
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
ambiguousadjectiveUS /æmˈbɪɡjuːəs/
open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
benedictionnounUS /ˌbenəˈdɪkʃən/
the act of praying for divine protection
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
Bonnybell's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The result was obvious: freedom--temporary, indeed! but still freedom for Miss Ransome.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
Camilla's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
Don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
King of England and Ireland in 1936; his marriage to Wallis Warfield Simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
elapsedadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæpst/
(of time) having passed or slipped by
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
employingverbUS /emˈplɔɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “employ” — put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
From this reading But of what use was that noblest of God’s gifts to one who had no means of employing it?
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading The result was obvious: freedom--temporary, indeed! but still freedom for Miss Ransome.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading “Try not to get into mischief?” or “Try not to help getting into mischief?
giftsnounUS /ɡɪfts/
plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation
From this reading But of what use was that noblest of God’s gifts to one who had no means of employing it?
God'snounUS /ɡɑːdz/
possessive form of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading But of what use was that noblest of God’s gifts to one who had no means of employing it?
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
humilitynounUS /hjuːˈmɪlɪti/
a disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading The result was obvious: freedom--temporary, indeed! but still freedom for Miss Ransome.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But of what use was that noblest of God’s gifts to one who had no means of employing it?
leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading But of what use was that noblest of God’s gifts to one who had no means of employing it?
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading The result was obvious: freedom--temporary, indeed! but still freedom for Miss Ransome.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
not any; not one
From this reading But of what use was that noblest of God’s gifts to one who had no means of employing it?
noblestadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊblɪst/
superlative of “noble” — impressive in appearance
From this reading But of what use was that noblest of God’s gifts to one who had no means of employing it?
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
obviousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːbviəs/
easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind
From this reading The result was obvious: freedom--temporary, indeed! but still freedom for Miss Ransome.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading But of what use was that noblest of God’s gifts to one who had no means of employing it?
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading “Try not to get into mischief?” or “Try not to help getting into mischief?
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
the act of departing politely
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
Ransome
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The result was obvious: freedom--temporary, indeed! but still freedom for Miss Ransome.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading The result was obvious: freedom--temporary, indeed! but still freedom for Miss Ransome.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
not in physical motion
From this reading The result was obvious: freedom--temporary, indeed! but still freedom for Miss Ransome.
temporaryadjectiveUS /ˈtempəreri/
not permanent; not lasting
From this reading The result was obvious: freedom--temporary, indeed! but still freedom for Miss Ransome.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But of what use was that noblest of God’s gifts to one who had no means of employing it?
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The result was obvious: freedom--temporary, indeed! but still freedom for Miss Ransome.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But of what use was that noblest of God’s gifts to one who had no means of employing it?
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
the act of using
From this reading But of what use was that noblest of God’s gifts to one who had no means of employing it?
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The result was obvious: freedom--temporary, indeed! but still freedom for Miss Ransome.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
used to ask for information about something
From this reading But of what use was that noblest of God’s gifts to one who had no means of employing it?
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
which person or people
From this reading But of what use was that noblest of God’s gifts to one who had no means of employing it?
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading A week had elapsed, and a morning came on which Edward set off for London accompanied by his wife, instead of, as usual, alone!
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Don’t get into mischief if you can help it,” was Camilla’s parting benediction; and the smiling humility of Bonnybell’s “I will try not,” took an ambiguous meaning as she turned it over afterwards in the leisure and liberty of her own mind.
